AUSTIN (March 27, 2009)-Hunters, Boaters and Anglers across the State could see a modest $2-$4 bump in fees if a proposed increase is approved in May by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Hunting and fishing licenses and boat registration and titling fees would all be affected by the 5 percent across-the-board increase.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says the fee increase is necessary to address critical needs.

"License fees were last increased in 2004 and prior to that there had been no increase in eight years," Deputy Director of the TPWD, Gene McCarty told commissioners. "Since that time, our operational costs have increased an average of 6.1 percent, while our fund balances continue to dwindle."

McCarty says the department does not plan to increase its operating costs; rather the agency wants to maintain its current level of service.

"This fee increase will not create new programs or services. The last fee increase in 2004 was just enough to maintain current levels of service. This increase will do the same," said McCarty.

Under the proposed increase:

• Resident hunting licenses would go from $23 to $25
  
• Resident Super Combo Hunting and Fishing Licenses would go from $64 to $68
  
• Fishing packages would increase by $2.
  
• Special endorsement stamps would NOT increase
  

The vast majority of boat owners in Texas would also see only a small increase in boat registration and titling fees under the proposal.

Biennial boat registration for

• Smaller Water Craft
  
  
  
  • Vessels less than 16 feet in length would increase from $30 to $32
    
  • Vessels in the 16-26 foot range would go from $50 to $53
    
  
  
• Larger Water Craft
  
  
  
  • Vessels 26-40 feet in length would increase by $40
    
  • Vessels 40-foot-plus vessels would go up by $110
    

These larger increases are necessary because the department has been undercharging for these larger boats for many years in comparison with smaller boats, the agency said.

The public is invited to comment on these proposals by visiting the TPWD Web site or by writing TPWD Public Comment, attn. Robert Macdonald, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744 or email robert.macdonald@tpwd.state.tx.us.